Pentland Outdoor Navigation

INTERMEDIATE COURSE (NNAS Silver Award)

The Intermediate course looks at navigation using skills learned at the Basic level and adding skills required to navigate to features and places some distance from paths and tracks. Accurate compass work and the ability to use the appropriate navigational techniques to go cross country.

This is a good course for those with some experience but wish to brush up and learn new skills. Most of the time will be spent out on the hill.

Minimum Group Size: One - Maximum Group Size: Six

Cost : Course and Assessment £80.00

Note: This price does not include food and accommodation.

You do not need to have attended the Basic Course before attending the Intermediate. However, you will require to have the skills and knowledge taught at the basic level and have put them into practice

By the end of the course you should have gained the skills to:

Devise a strategy for a navigational stage, to break it down into 'coarse' and 'fine' navigation and to use clear features en route to check that they are 'on course'.

Understand and apply the following components of a navigational strategy 'aiming off', 'attack points', 'collecting features', simplifying navigation, and apply them in varying terrain.

Demonstrate an understanding of contour features, both large and small, on the map and on the ground.

Demonstrate an understanding of the navigation physical and factors affecting route choice.

Use a compass to follow accurate bearings and to check the direction of footpaths or other linear features on both map and ground.

Demonstrate knowledge of the effects of fatigue and physical discomfort brought on by navigating in demanding countryside and/or extreme weather condition. Knowledge of basic first aid is also expected.

Demonstrate knowledge and application of the Countryside Code and current access legislation as for the Bronze level together with an appreciation of basic environmental factors in mixing 'man with nature' (e.g. footpath erosion and methods of dealing with it), and responsibilities towards other countryside interests like farming, forestry and conservation.